Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Milwaukee is 40% cheaper than Eugene.

$1,033/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↑ 30%
$51,888/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↑ 23%
$172,000 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$435,400 ↑ 153%
$1,082/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↑ 31%
569,756
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $11,948/year higher in Eugene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Eugene — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Eugene?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Eugene?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $11,948/year higher in Eugene.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Oregon?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Eugene details →

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